The First Time I Felt Like I Could Belong

About six months ago, I started going to a Single Adult ward. Anyone who knows me well knows this transition was not an easy one for me for several reasons. Despite feeling like I needed to go, I have struggled with feelings that I really don’t belong there. I feel like I don’t have a…… Continue reading The First Time I Felt Like I Could Belong

The Prodigal Son and An Unexpected Pride Lesson

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to read through all the October 2023 General Conference talks another time. Recently, I came to Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk, “The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home.” I’d heard the story of the prodigal son many times before, and I’d heard and read this talk…… Continue reading The Prodigal Son and An Unexpected Pride Lesson

The Seven Last Statements of Christ’s Life

While the Easter season is coming to an end, it’s never too late to focus on Christ’s sacrifice, especially with today being Easter Monday in some cultures. Last week, I was encouraged to study the last seven statements that Jesus said while on the cross. Different people might get different messages out of these statements,…… Continue reading The Seven Last Statements of Christ’s Life

The Unconditional Love of Our Savior

Over the last few weeks, in my “Come Follow Me” reading, I’ve come across several verses that make me think of Christ’s unconditional love. These verses have emphasized to me how much He loves us and wants us to succeed. While there are many verses where our Savior’s unconditional love is shown, I’m going to…… Continue reading The Unconditional Love of Our Savior

Kindness and Love Or Allowing Others to Take Advantage of You?

I’ve started this post several times. Then I don’t like the direction it’s going, so I’ll start in another direction, rename it, and try something else. I think perhaps part of the problem is that I do struggle to find that right balance between helping and serving others versus being willing to stand up for…… Continue reading Kindness and Love Or Allowing Others to Take Advantage of You?

I Admire Those Who Do Rather Than Make Excuses

I’ll admit it. I’m one of those people who sometimes makes excuses why I can’t do something. I’m too tired. It’s too hard. I really don’t want to. It’s too awkward. I did it last time. I don’t even know that person that well. Can’t someone else help them? Examples of People Who Don’t Make…… Continue reading I Admire Those Who Do Rather Than Make Excuses

They Must Be Rich: Seeing the Dandelions for the Flowers

Earlier this year, I was walking in our neighborhood with my niece. who is 5 years old. We walked by several houses, some of which had beautiful flowers in flower beds. Others had dandelions and morning glory growing in their lawns. My niece admired the lawns. Her Flower Attitude Before long, my niece said, “Can…… Continue reading They Must Be Rich: Seeing the Dandelions for the Flowers

We Don’t Have a Monopoly on “Love Thy Neighbor”

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, service and “love thy neighbor” are emphasized repeatedly. While serving others is a great thing, sometimes as members of the church we can get prideful about it or other aspect of our religion. We can begin to think that we’re the only church that…… Continue reading We Don’t Have a Monopoly on “Love Thy Neighbor”

To See the Beauty, Just Turn Around and Look

As an ordinance worker at the Idaho Falls Temple, I get the chance to see pictures and murals from a different vantage point than most people who visit. I get to appreciate the beauty of the temple’s artwork. This artwork, particularly the handpainted murals throughout the endowment rooms, is unique. Recently, I was sitting in…… Continue reading To See the Beauty, Just Turn Around and Look

Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency

Lately, I’ve been thinking about a food mandoline emergency that happened almost exactly nine years ago. I won’t go into all the details of the incident, but feel free to skip ahead to the “Damage is Worse Than Expected” heading if you get a bit queasy regarding medical emergencies. Basically, I was slicing potatoes, didn’t…… Continue reading Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency